Tokyo medical school admits changing results to exclude women (2018)

Tokyo Medical University has admitted to manipulating entrance exam scores for over a decade to limit the number of female students admitted to its medical program. The school altered test results starting in 2006, reducing all applicants' first-stage scores by 20% and adding at least 20 points for male candidates, except for those who had failed the exam multiple times. This practice was revealed during an investigation into a bribery scandal involving a bureaucrat's son who received preferential treatment. The university's managing director, Tetsuo Yukioka, apologized for the wrongdoing, acknowledging a lack of sensitivity to gender equality. The manipulation reflects a broader issue of institutional sexism in Japan, where women, despite high educational attainment, face significant barriers in the workforce and are often expected to prioritize family responsibilities. The education ministry has condemned the discrimination and plans to review admission processes at all medical schools in Japan. The revelations have sparked outrage on social media, highlighting the frustrations of women in academia and the workforce. Experts suggest that the share of female doctors in Japan has stagnated at around 30% for over two decades, indicating potential discrimination across other medical institutions as well.

- Tokyo Medical University manipulated exam scores to limit female admissions.

- The practice has been ongoing since at least 2006 and reflects institutional sexism.

- The education ministry plans to review admission processes at all medical schools.

- Women in Japan face significant barriers in the workforce despite high education levels.

- The revelations have sparked public outrage and discussions on gender equality.